James McGlothlin was arrested in late February on suspicion of producing child pornography.
Further investigation has led police to more evidence that links McGlothlin to hundreds of pornographic photos involving kids, as well as a number of videos on McGlothlin’s home computer hard drives — including folders with the names of schools in the Oregon City School District and folders within them titled with the children’s names.
McGlothlin plead not guilty to the original charges.
McGlothlin has been an instructional assistant for adapted physical education since April 2005 and has been on unpaid leave from the Oregon City School District since Feb. 16, according to the district. He has held other jobs that put him in direct contact with children in Clackamas and Multnomah counties since the early 1990s.
He may be a potential serial predator who used his professional position to prey on unsuspecting children. According to federal court documents, investigators also discovered essays on his laptop that described drugging and sexually abusing children, nearly a dozen pairs of children’s underwear, photos of underage girls who were relatives or family friends, and other incriminating items in McGlothin’s garage.
McGlothlin later confessed to two family friends that he fondled one of their toddlers and had sexual interest in the other’s 8-year-old granddaughter, court documents said.
His trial date is scheduled for May 17, 2016. He remains in custody.
As so often is the case, the initial incident that prompted the arrest is only the tip of the iceberg. Tragically, there is usually a long history of criminal acts that endanger children and the public is unaware until after many children are harmed. Anyone who has information about this case or the actions of James McGlothlin should contact law enforcement authorities immediately.